Guillame de Machaut, believed to have lived between 1300-1377 was a famous composer and poet from the late Middle Ages, a time called the “ars nova” or new art, that defined the changes in musical style during that time. Guillame de Machaut was born in Champagne, a French province. He studied theology and for much of his life, he worked for royal families. He then became a secretary to the king of Bohemia in which he accompanied on trips throughout Europe. He later served as a church official in Remis. Because Machaut traveled so much he went to many courts and presented exquisitely decorated copies of his music to the noble patrons. His music consisted of love songs, such as “Puis qu’en oubli sui de vous” , which translates to, “Since I am forgotten by you”.
In the novel My Absolute Darling, Turtle Alveston is a character readers can love and hate at the same time. Turtle’s level of complexity as a character makes readers view her as a true breathing and living individual in the real world. Turtle experiences the worst type of abuse a person can go through while still remaining resilient and determined to overcome her difficult obstacles. The characterization of Turtle may not be easy to understand; however, readers cannot blame her actions as it is her only manner of survival since all the odds are against her when she verbally attacks a fellow classmate. Turtle’s hatred and indifference towards the exterior world manifests in a manner which she views as her only protection in an environment created by her father. Turtle in addition, struggles to her find her own identity separate from her father’s views of herself and the world.
Hildegard of Bingen, born to a noble family, the tenth child in fact, was pretty much destined to a religious life from birth. Hildegard was also known as Hildegard von Bingen, Sibyl of the Rhine, Prophetissa Teutonica, and also Saint Hildegard. Hildegard as a child was known to have visions of shimmering lights and circling stars, so her family enrolled her as a novice, into the covenant at Disibodenberg, around the young age of seven. Hildegard was put under the care of a noblewoman named Jutta, who in which taught Hildegard to read and write, Jutta also trained Hildegard in scripture, music, and Latin. Hildegard took her vows of a Benedictine nun at the age of 15 and was elected abbess in 1136. Hildegard is known as a majorly significant historical figure because of her works that expressed interest in the cosmological, ethical, and eschatological aspects of the world.
Ludwig van Beethoven was a famous composer of the eighteenth-century classical music and the nineteenth-century romanticism style of music. Beethoven is still remembered for his spectacular pieces in modern times. Beethoven’s music led others to take the art of music as a serious topic. His symphonies and sonatas were revolutionary to the music world, because of this, many people today are not aware of his deafness. His deafness eventually caused him to make sacrifices in his music career.
During their marriage, it is said that she heard heavenly music in her heart and she sang to God for guidance. Because of this, she has become the patron saint of music, church music in particular. Music also includes being the patron saint of musicians, composers, instrument makers, and poets. During the Middle Ages, songs were written and sung in her honor and many followers wrote music and made statues, buildings, and later academies in her name that honor music. This adheres to me because of my connection to music. Music has been a valued part of my life since I was very young and has continued to grow to be a personal necessity since then. It has always served as a calming outlet and a relaxing activity. I see myself as a classical musician that has appreciation for all forms of music. From Bach to Tchaikovsky to Hazo (all of whom are classical composers), I feel the connection to their music and find that the classical music they produce says more than words and is able to tell a story with unlimited emotion. Music has a certain appeal that is wondrous and so different than any other form of communication. That is why it is so important to me. It is different and
‘Be Music, Night’ by Kenneth Patchen is an intriguing piece of literary art. A picture is painted of human interaction with Earth immediately. The manner in which humans fall into her beauty and vastness is apparent in even the first lines of Patchen’s poem, but why is this important?
Selena Quintanilla-Perez was a talented Mexican-American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, and fashion designer. On top of her career, she had respect, and was admired as a great role model by Mexican Americans. The “Queen of Tejano” music, her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century. Billboard magazine named her the “Top Latin Artist of the 90s” and then “Best Selling Latin Artist of the decade”. Selena ranks among the most influential Latin artists of all time and is credited for catapulting a music genre into the mainstream market. Even though Selena was murdered, she achieved many great things throughout her lifetime. She is remembered today for her wonderful accomplishments. Selena was one of many Mexican-Americans to achieve crossover success with her music to become a global artist.
This article will provide insight as to who William Grant Still was and what he did to illuminate his brilliance, and why he deserves to have his name forever etched in music’s history. Very few composers back in Still’s prime have been able to concoct memorable musical works of art. Although many have tried, few etched their name in music’s timeline. Listening to one of his pieces titled “Suite for Violin and Piano, Mvt. III” it becomes audibly evident of how jazz came to be what it is now. Still cut a path to new heights when it came to jazz. He set new bars for the blues and jazz genre. He went down in history as a memorable, musical milestone for the musical arts and an inspiration to a plethora of African American musicians to come.
him to move the souls of many with his ear for wonderful music. During this time he
Jubilee, a book centered around the life of a slave named Vyry (Also known as Elvira Dutton). Vyry who was born a slave had to work her life at a plantation owned by the negro loving master, John Dutton. It is also told that Vyry was the illegitimate child born from the miscegenation John did with a young slave named Hetta. The young slave died after giving birth to a huge number of children for years. The story revolves around the struggle of living a life as a slave, the so dreaded civil war, and how Vyry managed to live a peaceful life in the end. Slavery which is the main topic of this book was also the reason the civil war started with the Confederates supporting the act of slavery while the Union wasn't so happy about it. Then comes in political actions such as Abraham Lincoln issuing the emancipation proclamation proclaiming the abolition of slavery and salve could all live as a free human being.
A German composer, wife, and mother; Clara Schumann paved the way for many female composers and musicians today. Amidst entering the music world at the age of five, Clara's' love for music enabled her to stay in the field of music for 61 years. Producing a total of twenty nine songs, three part songs, and twenty four compositions for piano; subsequently, enhancing her love for concert performance. Clara performed the works of Mozart, Beethoven, Bac, J.Brahms, and Robert Schumann, dedicating herself more to the interpretation of her peers music rather than her own. Surviving the deaths of her beloved husband and four children, while never loosing sight of who she was, Clara deserves to be recognized for being the powerful woman and musician that she was.
Every prominent figure is known for their unique set of abilities, whether it is their ability to act, sing, produce, play a sport, model, etc. However, looking through that facade can either reveal an ethereal soul, or a chamber of ominous secrets. In this case, two notable figures, Richard Wagner and Michael Jackson, both held a number of offenses that would ultimately be deemed immoral by many. What mainly separates Wagner and Jackson from the regular, working class citizens is their fame. One might assume that because of Wagner and Jackson’s fame, people may choose to overlook the unethical actions committed because of their prodigious talent.
In a recent article by CNN, pop artist Bruno Mars was found accused of “cultural appropriation,” by critics of his new album, “24k Magic.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines “cultural appropriation” as “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture." Writer and activist, Seren Sensei posits that Mars’ “takes pre-existing work and he just completely, word-for-word recreates it, extrapolates it," she added. "He does not create it, he does not improve upon it, he does not make it better.” The singer is known for combining different genres such as hip-hop, soul, R&B, and others rooted in traditionally African-American culture. While some saw his new album
Some have coined music as a universal language. Perhaps, the complexity of the notes, the consistency of the beat, the array of instruments, or the flow of lyricism offers this universal appeal. Nevertheless, the unique composition of each song enables it to sustain its own magnetic aura, much like the musical implication in Lewis Nordans Music of the Swamp. Though, many argue Nordans piece suggests merely a collection of short stories rather than a novel, Nordan uses his singsong methodology- a novel-in-stories- to incorporate an anthology of his transformative memory- an autobiography of the way it was.
One of the first extraordinary woman was Hildegard von Bingen, a German woman that lived in the twelfth- century and was raised by a noble family. As an adult, Hildegard was a author and composer. Her knowledge to heal people made her history, using, herbs and medicine, as well as her visions of God, she was knows as a mystic. Hildegard refused to accept the life that most medieval women had, she argued and disobeyed this authority. He refused to accept that men were superior to women. For that matter, she was able to attend a cloister through many connections. Her achievement and ambition to support education and independence for women was highly influential that the Pope Benedict XVI mentioned her in a speech that represented Hildegard as